12 PKK militants killed in southeastern Turkey

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) ANKARA, Sept 30 (KUNA) -- The Turkish security forces have killed at least 12 PKK militants in two separate incidents in southeastern Turkey, according to statements on Saturday.

Seven PKK gunmen were killed in an air-supported operation in the southeastern Sirnak province, the provincial governor's office said in a statement.

A separate statement issued by the governor's office in southeastern Diyarbakir, said that another air-backed operation killed five fighters.

Six Kalashnikovs, three rifles, three hand grenades and ammunition were seized in the operations.

East and southeastern Turkey have been the scene of clashes between the PKK and the Turkish forces, claiming the lives of 1,360 servicemen and civilians, and more than 12,000 militants in Turkey and in northern Iraq. (end) rs.msa